International Civil Aviation Morning News | Many US air traffic controllers take on side jobs to make ends meet; India and Russia to cooperate on SJ-100 production.
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October 29, 2025, Civil Aviation Resource Network: Civil Aviation News Breakfast brings you timely and high-quality civil aviation information!
1. US Government Shutdown Continues, Many Air Traffic Controllers Take Side Jobs to Make ends meet
The US federal government shutdown has lasted for 28 days, and air traffic controllers, not receiving their full salaries for the current period, are taking on side jobs to make ends meet. Union officials say hundreds of air traffic controllers are working part-time as food delivery drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and weekend tutors during their primary job suspension, putting even more pressure on the already strained aviation safety system.
2. US Revokes Operating Permits for 13 Mexican Airlines Due to Competition Issues
The US announced on Tuesday that it has revoked the operating permits for 13 routes to the US operated by Mexican airlines and canceled all mixed passenger and cargo flights originating from Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico to the US. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated when issuing the order that Mexico "illegally canceled and froze US airline flights for three years without facing any consequences."
3. India to Cooperate with Russia to Produce SJ-100 Passenger Jet
On October 27, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed an agreement to produce the Russian SJ-100 passenger jet in India. The SJ-100 is a twin-engine narrow-body regional jet. This aircraft is currently in commercial operation, with over 200 aircraft used by 16 airlines worldwide.
4. Second Prototype of Russian MC-21 Medium-Range Passenger Jet, Manufactured with Domestically Produced Components, Completes Test Flight
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade announced on Tuesday that the second prototype of the MC-21 medium-range passenger jet, manufactured with domestically produced components, has completed its test flight. Current Western sanctions have prevented the acquisition of foreign parts for this aircraft type, leading to a production halt, while high interest rates have constrained industrial investment. Faced with these obstacles, the Russian aviation industry's actual deliveries this year have been severely delayed-of the planned 15 aircraft, only one had been delivered as of August.
5. JetBlue to Launch Domestic First Class in 2026
JetBlue announced on Tuesday that it will launch first-class seats in 2026. This makes JetBlue the latest U.S. airline to capitalize on the industry's premiumization trend. JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty confirmed in a Wall Street Journal interview last year that the domestic first-class cabin under development will adopt a traditional first-class layout, offering more legroom and a greater seat recline angle.
6. Paris Airport Operator Proposes Increase in 2026 Fees
Paris airport operator ADP Group has proposed increasing airport fees by 1.5% to 2.5% in 2026. The group stated that it hopes to raise rates by 1.5% at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport next year, and by 2.5% at Paris Le Bourget Airport. The new fees will apply to flights between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.